Plant Based Nutrition for Dogs

Plant-based diets for dogs can be a great option, not only for them but for their humans and the environment. People choose to follow a plant-based diet for a variety of reasons, including ethical, environmental and health benefits. More and more people want their pet’s food to have these same advantages. For dogs, in addition to the environmental benefits, plant-based diets may offer health benefits, particularly for dogs with sensitivities to animal proteins or with liver disease. However, it can be challenging to formulate a plant-based diet that meets all nutrient requirements. This presentation will provide an overview of the nutrients that need special attention when formulating a plant-based diet and how to overcome these challenges. We will also discuss how protein is a metabolically and environmentally expensive ingredient and how a plant-based diet can address this issue. Lastly, we will review the research about plant-based nutrition in dogs and share information about the current research being performed on this topic at the University of Guelph.